The transfer window will come to a dramatic close in just a few days, and many clubs are looking to do some last-minute business, including Manchester United.
The Red Devils have been very busy this summer, bringing in a number of talented additions, including Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and even Manuel Ugarte, who should be announced any minute now.
However, it would appear that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co are looking to bring in a number of new faces to help speed up their transition, and one of the most surprising players to move to Old Trafford in recent weeks has been Raheem Sterling.
The Chelsea ace has run out of things at Stamford Bridge and could return to his best form at Old Trafford, possibly if United re-sign the latest star to be linked with a move to the club.
Manchester United transfer news
According to the latest report from Spain, United are one of several clubs interested in Girona ace Miguel Gutierrez.
Apart from the Red Devils, the report claims that Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund are all interested in the talented defender, while Real Madrid, who hold 50% of the rights, have an option to return to him.
A price has not been mentioned in the report, but the 23-year-old is valued at €24.5m – £20m – by Football Transfers, and while the La Liga side will undoubtedly want more than that, it suggests the move would not completely break the bank for a big club like United .
It would be a difficult and expensive transfer to get over the line, but given Gutierrez's impressive form last season, it's one worth pursuing, especially if Sterling goes to United, as the young defender could help revive the English side's fortunes.
Why Gutierrez would revive Sterling
Okay, so let's get straight to the point here. There is one reason, above all others, why Gutierrez may be able to help Sterling return to his best at United: his attacking quality.
Yes, the five-capped Spaniard is a capable full-back, and his ability to do so on the left will give the Englishmen plenty of license to roam forward, but his incredible passing rate could see him strike. A great partnership with the former Manchester City player.
For example, in his 40 games for Girona last season, the 23-year-old “weapon” called by the U23 scout Antonio Mango, scored two goals and provided nine assists, which means he used an average of involvement in games 3.63, which is not true for the defender.
|
Gutiérrez on 23/24 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Competition |
La Liga |
Copa del Rey |
|
Appearance |
35 |
5 |
|
Goals |
2 |
0 |
|
It helps |
7 |
2 |
|
Goal percentage per game |
0.25 |
0.40 |
|
All stats via Transfermarkt |
||
Furthermore, according to FBref, which compares players in similar positions in Europe's top five leagues, the Champions League and the Europa League, the former Real ace sits in the top 6% of defenders for expected assists, non-penalty goals and and assistants. and finishing, 16% higher in total shooting and 18% higher in actual assists, all for 90.
This helps show that he wasn't just running last season, and if anything, playing on a team with more talent than him could help his numbers improve significantly.
Imagine an 82-hole English left-back flying down the wings to get on the end of a brilliant pass from the Girona ace; it can provide another option for Ten Hag during tough encounters.
Ultimately, it would be a tricky transfer to get over the line, but if United are really going to bring in Sterling in some sort of swap deal this summer, then sign the incredibly exciting Gutierrez to help get more out of his left-back. seems like a smart idea.
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